We always say you can get an apprenticeship in anything, and if you have a passion for horses, an apprenticeship in horse care could be perfect for you! Qualifications will enable you to get a better job, but hands on experience is a great way to show employers that you are motivated to work with horses, so an apprenticeship is an opportunity you can’t refuse. It will show that you can work whatever the weather, whatever the hour! The ‘on the job’ skills you gain and the vocational qualification you earn means you will be an all-rounder in the horse care world.
Working with horses is a way of life, the enjoyment you get from horse care is a reward from all the hard work you put in. Depending on your employer, you could get the opportunity to groom at competitions, ride a range of horses or care for new born foals. As well as a passion for horses, a horse care apprentice should be sympathetic and caring, work well in a team, have great communication skills, and most importantly be enthusiastic – even on cold Winter days!
A horse care apprenticeship will include all sorts of tasks and units often vary depending on what type of yard you are employed on. The apprenticeship will focus on the health and well-being of a horse. Examples of units in a horse care apprenticeship are;
- Cleaning Stables
- Preparing horses for use
- Plaiting and trimming horses’ manes and tails
- Prepare a horse for competition
- Lunging or long reining
- Plan their diets
- Rehabilitate horses
There are three pathways in Horse Care Apprenticeships: Horse Care, Riding, and Breeding. It’s important that you apply for a vacancy that is right for you and where you would like to start your career with horses.
[http://www.apprenticeshipstories.co.uk/jack-story/||This is Jack's story, a show jumping apprentice]
